When most students are still asleep, math teacher Toni Smith is already at school — almost every morning, her classroom is open for any of her students who need extra help.

For the last three years, Smith, who teaches Algebra II and Trigonometry, has held Breakfast Club every morning, a student-created and led math review session. Starting at 7 a.m., students can practice math skills and concepts in her room while eating breakfast.

“It started with a group of six kids that would come in the morning and ask for help with things that they didn’t know,” Smith said. “Then we just sort of morphed into review sessions that would be beneficial to them right before an assessment or a test, to get their head in the game.

Rather than a typical review session, Breakfast Club is run by students, who take Smith’s practice problems to the whiteboard. By only stepping in when students are truly stuck, Smith lets students work together and teach each other. 

“The camaraderie and the peer helping in the morning is just fabulous,” Smith said. “It’s like everything that you want to happen is actually happening.”

Breakfast Club’s concept of student-led teaching and collaboration strengthens her students’ skills outside of their grades. 

“I noticed an increase in my test scores and in-class engagement, but I also felt that I retained the content a lot better,” senior Benjamin Brierly said. “The learning environment was always super inclusive and positive but also focused.”

Students attending Breakfast Club often bring friends as well, creating a larger community and increasing opportunities for more students to work together. 

“Although waking up that early was difficult, I view it as a privilege,” senior Tascher Morisson said. “I have never had a teacher who offers assistance to their students like Mrs. Smith does.” 

“To anyone hesitant about going, I can assure you that you won’t regret it,” Benjamin said.